Looking for something different this year? Here we showcase five of our favourite suites from around the world. In no particular order, each is listed for offering the discerning traveller something unique to make their visit memorable. We love them and we think you will love them too!
The Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a 5-star resort offering 150 villas and suites, 12 restaurants and bars (including the resort’s underwater restaurant, Ithaa) stretched over two remote, private islands connected by a 500m bridge. The resort has excellent facilities, including a gym, two spas, tennis courts and a dive centre that will loan guests snorkelling gear.
The Muraka itself (which means “coral” in the Maldives’ native Dhivehi language) is a two-story villa designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, featuring above-water and underwater sections. Above the water, The Muraka has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gym, a marble lined living and dining area, an outdoor deck with an infinity-edge pool and a private boat jetty. Your personal butler’s quarters are also on this level and there is also a chef on hand.
Below the water, a glass-ceilinged corridor leads guests into the underwater bedroom and living area (don’t worry, there is an escape hatch in case of emergency). Here, guests can experience the unique sensation of waking up to see fish swimming around them, with the muffled sound of lapping waves above the bedroom. Clients booking The Muraka can choose among adventure, culinary, wellness, culture and sustainability experiences for their daytime activities. Be sure to book the honeymooners’ favourite, ‘The Sandbar Picnic’ which is a day-trip on a yacht, with a drop-off on a deserted island where you can enjoy a romantic meal on the beach.
The resort is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport.
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, Villa Diane
The Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf boasts just 21 beautifully appointed rooms and suites with 2 restaurants, a full-service spa and an idyllic private beach.
The hotel gazes down over the pink rooves of St. Barth’s tiny, relaxed Caribbean capital and the yacht-filled Gustavia Bay from it’s hillside perch. Separate from the main hotel, with a higher vantage point, the crown jewel is Villa Diane.
The 3230 square feet colonial-style villa has 5 double bedrooms with King size beds, accommodating up to 10 guests. The interiors are light and airy works of art courtesy of Gilles & Boissier; though the extensive terrace, complete with semi-circular infinity pool and spectacular view constantly draws you outside. With a west-facing aspect, breathtaking sunsets are on the cards every evening: why not arrange a cocktail sunset with the suite’s dedicated private butler?
The hotel is a short walk from Shellona beach and all the sights and restaurants of Gustavia.
One&Only Mandarina, Villa One
The 88-acre One&Only Mandarina hotel is one of the newest super-luxury resorts in the world, opened in November 2020. The 104 rooms and 55 private villas are set amongst the rainforest adjacent to the Pacific Ocean coastline. With 4 restaurants and bars, luxury spa and a pristine private beach accessed directly from the hotel and miles of hiking, horseback riding and biking trails, there is no shortage of things to do. Water sports enthusiasts can practice surfing, windsurfing, diving, swimming, kayaking and paddling.
Villa One boasts stylish living spaces set across multiple levels, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing uninterrupted vistas of the stunning rainforest. Featuring cool polished concrete floors, earthen walls and chic, Mexican-made furniture crafted from sustainable local materials, this three-bedroom, split-level villa is designed for entertaining.
With your own private cinema and a games room with pool table, spa with sauna and steam room, gym, jacuzzi, infinity swimming pool, outdoor dining area with comfy lounging spots, and a vast terrace with oversized daybeds, you’ll be spoiled for ways to relax.
The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island Teremoana Residence
An idyllic hideaway about 30 miles north of Tahiti, the Brando on Tetiaroa private island delivers an archetypal castaway fantasy in the form of sustainable barefoot luxury. Marlon Brando chose the island as a personal retreat, saying it was “beautiful beyond my capacity to describe”.
The eco-conscious resort is dedicated to protecting the natural splendour of Tetiaroa – home to turtles, manta rays and an array of tropical birds while offering guests a variety of cultural experiences showcasing the French Polynesian lifestyle. The restaurants (including one from Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert) serve up locally-sourced, organic produce. The hotel’s spa offers beachside massages, deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and in-room massages.
Scheduled excursions led by Tetiaroa Society guides, show the rich tapestry of Polynesian heritage and allow guests to experience the coral reef and the unique wildlife and flora found there.
Located on a secluded cove at the end of Mermaid Bay, Teremoana Residence is a beautiful four-bedroom Polynesian style beachfront private residence accommodating 7 adults or 6 adults & 2 children. The residence offers a spectacular view of the lagoon, a pool, a large deck area, a private beach, and indoor and outdoor dining and barbecue facilities. There is also 24/7 Butler Service.
Six Senses Ibiza, The South Mansion
Looking out over northern Ibiza’s Xarraca Bay, Six Senses Ibiza offers 137 guest accommodations over 20 acres. This includes Suites, Cave Suites, three to seven-bedroom residences, and two stunning five and ten-bedroom mansions.
Six Senses resort is a magnet for boho travellers who have moved on from the island’s wild club scene and seek something more spiritual and sustainable. Rolling wellness retreats are led by the apex of global practitioners and expert yogic masters providing guests personalized programs for everything from functional fitness, anti-aging and sleep mastery to multi-day Immersive Retreats.
The spa expands over 1,200 square meters and houses a steam room, hammam and multiple wellness programs with nutrition guidance and modern healing methods.
Groups with something to celebrate will find themeselves drawn to the South Mansion. With 10 bedrooms and endless outdoor space; the airy double height rooms open on to expansive terraces and balconies with wonderful woodland and sea views.
Complete privacy with it’s own cinema, wine cellar, garden and pool make the South Mansion an ideal getaway for rejuvenation and spiritual growth.